
A preliminary hearing has been set in the second-degree murder case against Cardell Hayes, who is accused of shooting and killing former Saints defensive end Will Smith in New Orleans last Saturday night.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Orleans Parish Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell has set an April 28 date for the hearing, which will determine if the prosecution has probable cause to keep Hayes, whose bond has been set at $1 million, in custody on the murder charge.
Hayes is also expected to face further charges related to shooting Smith’s wife Racquel, who had to be hospitalized for two gunshot wounds to her leg. Hayes is accused of shooting Smith after an argument that followed Hayes’ Hummer hitting Smith’s Mercedes from behind. Surveillance video from just before the shooting shows that Smith’s car appear to make contact with Hayes’ vehicle before driving away.
Prosecutors will present evidence and testimony to support their case at the hearing and Hayes’ lawyers will have a right to cross-examine.